Accidental Death of Man Found in Woods Near Depot Street

Preliminary findings from the medical examiner and Parkersburg Police confirm that Nick Blackburn, Jr., the man found along the Little Kanawha riverbank in South Parkersburg last week died of exposure. They consider it an accidental death with no foul play. The Department's criminal case is closed.

It will be at least another week before toxicology results are back and Chief Joe Martin says then they may have more concrete information about why Blackburn was out there in the elements on a day when the temperatures dipped very low.

Witnesses say the 29-year-old left his home near Fifth Street on a bicycle and at some point got off the bike and started walking.

We will keep you informed as more details become available.

UPDATE: 2/72013 10.28 am

The body of the man found dead Wednesday along the Little Kanawha riverbank is Nick R. Blackburn, Jr. He was 29. His family confirmed his identity to the Parkersburg Police Department. Blackburn was reported missing on Monday, February 4th.

Stan Small, the DOH worker who found the body says he had no shirt or shoes on and was lying face down.

There were no obvious signs of trauma on the body and it has been taken to the medical examiner for a complete autopsy. The PPD is investigating and asks the public to contact the Department with any information.

We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: 2/6/2013 3:26 pm

Detectives are investigating the scene of a dead body on the Little Kanawha riverbank.

Parkersburg Police Sgt. Greg Nangle says the body of a white male in his early 30's was found in the woods off Depot Street.

A Department of Highways employee was a taking a smoke break when he saw the body about 100 yards down the riverbank.

Police are releasing very little information at this point.

The body is being sent to the West Virginia Medical Examiner's office for an autopsy.

Detectives are conducting interviews.

For all the latest information stay tuned to WTAP News and right here on thenewscenter.tv.

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At around 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon police responded to the call of a a dead body found in the woods off Depot Street.

Police say Department of Highways workers found the body.

Foul play is not suspected at this time.

Detectives are on scene investigating right now.

Few details are known at this point.

Stay tuned to WTAP and right here on www.thenewscenter.tv for all the latest.

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